Scenic Colorado Train Rides That Make the Rockies Even More Magical

Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in America, and there’s no better way to experience it than from a train window. Rolling through valleys, climbing steep passes, and winding alongside rivers, these historic railways offer views you simply can’t get from a car.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an adventure through mining history, Colorado’s scenic train rides deliver unforgettable moments that bring the Rockies to life in ways you never imagined.

1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Riding this coal-fired steam train feels like stepping back into the Old West. You’ll travel through the San Juan Mountains on tracks that miners used over a century ago.

The journey takes you alongside the Animas River, where waterfalls cascade down cliffsides and wildlife roams freely. I recommend sitting on the left side heading to Silverton for the best canyon views.

The entire round trip takes about nine hours, so pack snacks and dress in layers for changing mountain weather.

2. Georgetown Loop Railroad

Engineering marvels don’t get much cooler than this. The train spirals upward through Clear Creek Canyon, crossing a bridge that towers 100 feet above the rushing water below.

This short ride packs incredible scenery into just 70 minutes, making it ideal for families with young kids. You can add a mine tour to your ticket and explore underground tunnels where silver was once extracted.

Fall visits offer spectacular golden aspen displays that frame the historic locomotives perfectly for photos.

3. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Imagine rolling through a canyon so deep that sunlight barely reaches the bottom at certain times of day. The granite walls rise over 1,000 feet on either side while the Arkansas River rushes beside your window.

This two-hour journey offers multiple dining options, from casual coach seating to elegant dome cars with gourmet meals. The suspension bridge overhead creates an unforgettable perspective that most visitors only see from above.

Spring brings whitewater rafters into view, adding extra excitement to the scenery.

4. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Crossing the border between Colorado and New Mexico, this railway reaches 10,015 feet at Cumbres Pass, making it America’s highest steam railroad. Wildflower meadows burst with color during summer months, creating postcard-worthy scenes around every curve.

The full trip covers 64 miles and takes all day, but half-day options let you experience the highlights without the full commitment. I love how the narrow gauge cars sway gently as they navigate the mountain grades.

5. Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Climbing to 14,115 feet above sea level, this railway takes you higher than any other train in North America. The views from the summit stretch across Colorado and into neighboring states on clear days.

Your ears might pop during the three-hour round trip, but the alpine scenery makes it totally worth it. Bighorn sheep often graze near the tracks, especially in summer months.

Bring sunscreen and a jacket because temperatures drop significantly as you ascend toward the clouds above treeline.

6. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

Starting from America’s highest incorporated city at 10,152 feet, this train climbs even higher into the Rockies. Your journey takes you past abandoned mining camps that tell stories of Colorado’s silver boom era.

The two-and-a-half-hour trip offers stunning views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Colorado’s two tallest peaks. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk and deer frequently spotted grazing in the valleys.

Bring binoculars for the best chance at spotting mountain animals in their natural habitat.

7. Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Recently rebuilt with state-of-the-art cars, this railway combines modern comfort with historic charm. Large windows provide unobstructed views as you climb through four distinct ecological zones on your way to the summit.

The journey takes about three hours total, with 40 minutes at the top to explore and grab famous summit donuts. Weather can change dramatically during your ride, so you might experience sunshine, clouds, and even snow all in one trip.

8. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rolling through the San Luis Valley, this train offers a completely different Colorado landscape than the typical mountain forests. You’ll see expansive views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising dramatically from the valley floor.

The route passes through small historic towns and agricultural areas where you can spot sandhill cranes during migration seasons. Several themed rides throughout the year include murder mysteries and holiday specials that add extra fun.

Pack a camera with a good zoom lens for distant mountain photography.

9. Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad

This historic railway system once connected mining camps across the Rockies, and preserved sections still operate today. The narrow gauge tracks wind through canyons and over mountain passes that were engineering triumphs of their era.

Various heritage organizations maintain different segments, each offering unique scenery and historical significance. You’ll learn about the railroad workers who built these routes through seemingly impossible terrain using only hand tools and determination.

Check seasonal schedules since some sections only run during summer months.

10. Ski Train to Winter Park

Forget highway traffic and parking hassles when heading to the slopes. This train departs from Denver’s Union Station and delivers you directly to Winter Park Resort in about two hours.

The route passes through 29 tunnels, including the famous Moffat Tunnel that burrows six miles through the Continental Divide. Windows frame constantly changing scenery from urban areas to deep mountain wilderness covered in snow.

Ski racks and luggage areas make transporting gear easy and stress-free for winter sports enthusiasts.

11. Canon City Royal Gorge Railroad

Experience the Royal Gorge from the comfort of vintage dining cars where white tablecloths and gourmet meals enhance the spectacular scenery. The train follows the Arkansas River for 24 miles through one of Colorado’s most dramatic geological formations.

Multiple service levels let you choose your experience, from open-air cars to climate-controlled domes with panoramic views. The leisurely pace gives you time to truly absorb the massive scale of the canyon walls.

Sunset rides offer particularly stunning lighting on the red granite cliffs.

12. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

This four-mile loop takes you through the heart of Colorado’s last great gold rush territory. Old mine structures dot the hillsides, and your conductor shares fascinating stories about the prospectors who once worked these claims.

The 45-minute ride is perfect for younger children who might not sit still for longer journeys. You’ll pass by abandoned mining equipment and tailings piles that show the scale of operations during Cripple Creek’s boom years.

Combine your train ride with exploring the historic downtown area for a full day of Old West adventure.